One of the biggest problems Uber drivers and customers have is actually finding each other. It’s not uncommon for people to get into the wrong Uber, or even climb into the car of some random person who happens to be nearby. Today, Uber is trying to solve this problem with a gadget that will let you easily spot your Uber, called “Beacon.”
The concept of Beacon is pretty simple. If a car has one, when you request a ride, you also pick a distinct color from a color wheel. When your Uber shows up, its Beacon glows that same color, so you can easily spot your car without squinting at the license plate or trying to pick which black car is an Uber. Admittedly, this is less necessary if you know your makes and models, but not all of us are that good at spotting the difference between an Accord and a Camry, okay?
Joking aside, this will be handy for people with poor eyesight, or people who go to an event and then spend an hour tracking down their Uber amid a sea of them. That said, it’s not standard, yet: Uber will be testing them out starting this Friday in a handful of cities.
(via Mashable